Preview — Zen Guitar
by Philip Toshio Sudo

Zen Guitar

The book starts from a simple premise: Each of us carries a song inside - the song that makes us human. We're all born with this song, but so many of us don't know how to unlock it. Zen Guitar offers the key. By sharing his own experiences with music, Philip Toshio Sudo guides us to rediscover the harmony in each of our lives, as well as to open ourselves to a Zen awarenesThe book starts from a simple premise: Each of us carries a song inside - the song that makes us human. We're all born with this song, but so many of us don't know how to unlock it. Zen Guitar offers the key. By sharing his own experiences with music, Philip Toshio Sudo guides us to rediscover the harmony in each of our lives, as well as to open ourselves to a Zen awareness uniquely suited to the Western mind. Filled with inspirational words from famous musicians, beautiful brush paintings, Zen stories, and samurai maxims, the book unfolds in fifty-eight lessons that go from the four lessons to establish the beginner's mind, to the "Twelve Points of Focus" and "Twelve Common Missteps" through technical excellence, and into more advanced levels of Zen....more

Paperback, 208 pages

Published
March 24th 1998
by Simon & Schuster
(first published February 11th 1997)

Community Reviews

my musical mastermind buddy, mark, lent me this to read.. and it came at a time of emotional upheaval and crazy roadtripping and ditching school to hop around the east coast and play and meet and think and shed some skin. one of those books you can pick up and get inspiration from at just about any time, whether you play guitar or not.

Even though this book is written for people who play guitar or are learning guitar...there is so much to learn from this book. Just replace the word guitar with whatever you are interested in and the same principles apply.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who plays, or even is thinking about learning to play the guitar.

It's an interesting mix of Eastern/Zen Buddhist philosphy as applied to the practice of playing guitar. Some chapters focus on a particular aspect of playing guitar, some discuss mistakes or approaches to avoid, but in the end, all can be applied to life itself.

One of my favorite things about this book is that each chapter starts with a quote from some the greatest guitarists to walk the planeI highly recommend this book to anyone who plays, or even is thinking about learning to play the guitar.

It's an interesting mix of Eastern/Zen Buddhist philosphy as applied to the practice of playing guitar. Some chapters focus on a particular aspect of playing guitar, some discuss mistakes or approaches to avoid, but in the end, all can be applied to life itself.

One of my favorite things about this book is that each chapter starts with a quote from some the greatest guitarists to walk the planet. Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jeff Beck, Frank Zappa, Keith Richards, Neil Young, Joan Baez, Tom Petty... the list goes on and on.

My copy is dog-eared and worn, and will be a source of inspiration as I continue my journey from white belt, to black belt, and back again to white.

As Frank Zappa once said... Information is not knowledge. Knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is not truth. Truth is not beauty. Beauty is not love. Love is not music. Music is the best…, so shut up 'n play yer guitar!

This book doesn't teach any specific guitar playing technique. Rather, it looks at the spiritual side of making music; if you will, the zen of playing guitar.

Everyone carries a song inside themselves, it's what makes us human. This book offers a key to letting out that song. Once you have picked up a guitar and properly tuned it, don't worry if you don't know any songs. Play just one note on one string and give it every bit of your heart and soul. Then repeat the process.

When you start regular pThis book doesn't teach any specific guitar playing technique. Rather, it looks at the spiritual side of making music; if you will, the zen of playing guitar.

Everyone carries a song inside themselves, it's what makes us human. This book offers a key to letting out that song. Once you have picked up a guitar and properly tuned it, don't worry if you don't know any songs. Play just one note on one string and give it every bit of your heart and soul. Then repeat the process.

When you start regular practice, start with one new habit: Do one thing the right way one time. In the next moment, make the same commitment. On the other hand, there are potholes along the way that must be avoided at all costs. It's easy to skip practice "just once," a year later, the guitar is covered with dust and cobwebs.

Some feel that learning a certain technique is the most important thing in guitar playing. It's certainly important, but the more complicated the technique, the more brainpower that must be devoted to it. The aim is to play with the proper spirit, to play without having to consider technique. A person must have something to say, first.

To progress down the path of Zen Guitar, you need to love guitar playing and commit your heart to training. If it isn't fun for you, then there is a big problem. Don't be halfhearted about it. Overearnestness is just as bad. Some guitarists force themselves on an audience through excess volume or pyrotechnics. Learn self-control. A measure of mastery is through what you hold back, not what you show.

Another important part of guitar playing is responsibility. You must develop your talent to the fullest capacity, with no excuses. You must respect those who come to you with open ears and foster a feeling of community. Also, act as teacher to those who are seeking their own way along the path of Zen Guitar.

If there is a single rule to Zen Guitar, it might be this: Do what has to be done, when it has to be done, as well as it can be done, and do it that way every time.

This is a fine piece of writing. It certainly gives a new perspective to guitar playing, whether it's folk music or heavy metal. I'm sure much of this book could apply to any instrument. For musicians and music lovers, this is very much worth reading.

So here's the summary:1) At the beginning, I thought it was gimmicky, but of the sort that ''if you believe in it, you'll get the value out of it''. So I gave it a chance, and the last third of the book really took me and engaged me. A lot of it you discover on your own through the years, or else you don't advance and give it up.

2)It helped to apply the mindset to different challenges other than guitar: singining, learning chinese characters, running. One major insight thatNO, i lost the review.

So here's the summary:1) At the beginning, I thought it was gimmicky, but of the sort that ''if you believe in it, you'll get the value out of it''. So I gave it a chance, and the last third of the book really took me and engaged me. A lot of it you discover on your own through the years, or else you don't advance and give it up.

2)It helped to apply the mindset to different challenges other than guitar: singining, learning chinese characters, running. One major insight that I enjoyed was the idea of ''everytime you pick up the guitar, try to see it for the first time''. The idea of always being a white belt. I've found some of my best, most creative playing comes from the times after being away from a guitar for several weeks.

3) the best celebrity quote was the Bruce Sprinsteen quote about holding the contradictory ideas of 'this is the most important thing in the universe' and 'this is just rock and roll, try and have a good time'.

MarcusJust started reading this one. And I have to say that feel your pain on losing the review :) Have you read The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin? It'sJust started reading this one. And I have to say that feel your pain on losing the review :) Have you read The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin? It's one of my all-time favorites....more
Apr 07, 2013 12:21PM

BenjiNever heard of that one, but I'll see if my library has it. Thanks! Too bad in school we don't get this kind of stuff other than on our own, long afteNever heard of that one, but I'll see if my library has it. Thanks! Too bad in school we don't get this kind of stuff other than on our own, long after we need it. Or maybe it's a good thing to discover something like this on our own? I used to say that I've been blessed by having skipped English class and missed many of the Great Books until I was in my last year of college. Maybe the right teacher though, earlier on, and I could have enjoyed them just then as I do now. On Slate there was a good article about 'Should you let your children discover Calvin and Hobbes on their own?' and the pros and cons of that....more
Apr 07, 2013 04:17PM

One of the most important, enjoyable books I've ever had the good fortune to read. The concept of zen is familiar to many, and this book is certainly laden with familiar concepts, but it manages to relate those concepts incredibly well to the art of learning, practicing, and playing an instrument (not necessarily guitar; this book applies to any instrument... it is not an exercise book), all the while reminding you that those very same concepts seamlessly overlap into everyday life, and stretchOne of the most important, enjoyable books I've ever had the good fortune to read. The concept of zen is familiar to many, and this book is certainly laden with familiar concepts, but it manages to relate those concepts incredibly well to the art of learning, practicing, and playing an instrument (not necessarily guitar; this book applies to any instrument... it is not an exercise book), all the while reminding you that those very same concepts seamlessly overlap into everyday life, and stretch far beyond the scope of playing an instrument. I really can't say enough good things about this book. If you play any instrument at all... or hell, even if you don't... I highly recommend it....more

I have only one thing to say about this book. If you read it and don't "get it", you aren't ready for it. This book is beyond awesome, it has helped me by teaching me to slow down...it will happen in its own time.

I have felt pressured from outside sources to play faster and better than I do, turning my playing almost from a joy to a chore. Due to my age (almost 55), I may learn slower than 8, 12, 17 and 20 year olds. I am not interested in just "shredding", I want to learn all I can about playiI have only one thing to say about this book. If you read it and don't "get it", you aren't ready for it. This book is beyond awesome, it has helped me by teaching me to slow down...it will happen in its own time.

I have felt pressured from outside sources to play faster and better than I do, turning my playing almost from a joy to a chore. Due to my age (almost 55), I may learn slower than 8, 12, 17 and 20 year olds. I am not interested in just "shredding", I want to learn all I can about playing, and it takes a LOT of time and a lot of patience, all I want is to enjoy the journey.

From this book, I have learned that it takes as long as it takes, that I need to go slowly, and play for no one else but myself. I am self taught, with only myself (and an on-line website) to guide me, and it may take 10 years to get where most players are after only one year, and that is fine, because that is how it is supposed to be for ME. If I take away anything from this wonderful book is that I have to LEARN TO CRAWL BEFORE I WALK and when I am good at walking I can run.

Zen Guitar is going to take a long time to read. After trying to rush through the entire book I started over and have been contemplating the very first instruction, "Wear the white belt" for a year. It could be time to move on but I don't really see the rush.

Let's face it, I'm a sucker for these "zen" books. Take some quasi-spiritual, new agey goals and obstacles and apply them to some domain (e.g., poker, computer programming, cooking) and you have a book. Most of them are fluff, but this one is by far the most substantial and interesting of any I've read. I saw a lot of good advice, and the musicians' quotes were well-chosen. I expected fluff and a quick skim when I started reading, but I was very pleasantly surprised by what I found between the cLet's face it, I'm a sucker for these "zen" books. Take some quasi-spiritual, new agey goals and obstacles and apply them to some domain (e.g., poker, computer programming, cooking) and you have a book. Most of them are fluff, but this one is by far the most substantial and interesting of any I've read. I saw a lot of good advice, and the musicians' quotes were well-chosen. I expected fluff and a quick skim when I started reading, but I was very pleasantly surprised by what I found between the covers....more

"Return to the beginning. Enter by form. Clean your dojo. As you have every day, tie on the white belt and empty your cup. Pick up your guitar, tune, then play." - Philip Toshio Sudo

Zen Guitar was a book gifted to me by a close friend sometime in the late 1990's. I was an ambitious, headstrong rocker girl in a tightlittle pop band. Although at the time I really felt like I was ready to take on the world,Zen Guitar: Welcome to the Dojo, Please Leave the Door OpenBy Lisa King | Thursday, August 21

"Return to the beginning. Enter by form. Clean your dojo. As you have every day, tie on the white belt and empty your cup. Pick up your guitar, tune, then play." - Philip Toshio Sudo

Zen Guitar was a book gifted to me by a close friend sometime in the late 1990's. I was an ambitious, headstrong rocker girl in a tight little pop band. Although at the time I really felt like I was ready to take on the world, I still had a lot of unfocused energy swirling about my routine. I've been a guitar player since 1986, and recently in the 2010's, I have been playing bass guitar more than I ever thought I would. Playing bass has become a job, a passion, and a daily discipline. As the Zen proverb goes, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."

Since my first read-through of this book, I've recorded an album at a professional and prestigious studio and assembled a band of experienced players. I am right on the threshold of presenting the record and the live act to the world. One morning while I was sipping my coffee, I glanced over at my bookshelf. Zen Guitar spoke to me. I have been practicing Mindfulness Meditation for just over a year, and the exercise certainly has helped me to center in the "Now" of the note. When a book silently calls to be read, even if it's technically a "re-read", I try to listen. I really needed Zen Guitar in my life again.

Each chapter begins with a relevant quote from a famous musician. We enter Sudo's dojo with an empty cup, waiting to be filled. We start with the beginner's mind, and we are not students--we are unsui--a traveling monk or truth-seeker. We move from White Belt, establishing the proper mindset for the passage to Black Belt, and we end again with White Belt--because we have worn our Black Belt so long it's faded to White again. We accept Five Responsibilities: To yourself, To your talent, to your art, to your audience, and to the Way.

Although full of Zen wisdom and a pensive mentality, the book is not confusing. It's inspiring, illuminating, and comforting. Like all good sensei--ones who have gone before, Sudo is not a teacher, he is a guide. We learn from within. Through the lessons in the book we are training our hearts and heads. We are using our hands and spirit to seek our own personal path of Zen Guitar. "How long will it take me to learn the Way of Zen Guitar?" you might ask. Sudo's answer is, "As long as you live--that short. The Way of Zen Guitar is learned day by day, minute by minute, second by second, now to eternity. There is no faster way."

Philip Toshio Sudo passed away on June 9th, 2002 after a year long struggle with stomach cancer. He said, "To be honest, I don't feel like I'm dying. I know my condition is deadly serious; I don't for a moment underestimate what cancer is, what it does, and how relentless it can be. In my mind, I've spoken to Death and said, 'Be patient. I know you're waiting, but there’s no hurry. When it’s absolutely the time, I'll go with you. But for now, just be patient.' We'll see if Death listens. Live today. Live tomorrow. That is all."

I was kind of disappointed that this one had no actual musical examples included in the text. More philosophy than actual hands-on lessons. Still it had some interesting ideas and approaches. If you like this book you should definitely check out How to Become a Guitar Player from Hell which came out only a couple of weeks ago. How to Become a Guitar Player from Hell covers almost every guitar technique used by modern guitar virtuosos and explains them in simple terms anyone can understand. ArpegI was kind of disappointed that this one had no actual musical examples included in the text. More philosophy than actual hands-on lessons. Still it had some interesting ideas and approaches. If you like this book you should definitely check out How to Become a Guitar Player from Hell which came out only a couple of weeks ago. How to Become a Guitar Player from Hell covers almost every guitar technique used by modern guitar virtuosos and explains them in simple terms anyone can understand. Arpeggios, finger tapping, artificial and muted harmonics, unorthodox tremolo bar manipulations, exotic scales and chords, but it also has philosophy and out-of-the-box thinking exercises. And extensive musical examples are provided in tablature form with no traditional music reading skills necessary. It also has topics tangential to guitar playing yet still of interest to guitarists, such as how to find band members, taking care of your hands, and how to get gigs, etc....more

The book is called Zen Guitar, but it can be appreciated by anyone that plays an instrument. Even if you don't, I think there is a lot to like here.

Each chapter is only a page or two, and it relates some aspect of playing guitar with a Buddhist principle. I'm no expert on Eastern philosophy, but I have always enjoyed the humility and seeking of knowledge that is inherent in Buddhism. And when applied to guitar, it really does create a great mindset from which a musician should operate.

Not onlyThe book is called Zen Guitar, but it can be appreciated by anyone that plays an instrument. Even if you don't, I think there is a lot to like here.

Each chapter is only a page or two, and it relates some aspect of playing guitar with a Buddhist principle. I'm no expert on Eastern philosophy, but I have always enjoyed the humility and seeking of knowledge that is inherent in Buddhism. And when applied to guitar, it really does create a great mindset from which a musician should operate.

Not only do the teachings apply to playing music, but life as well, and I constantly find myself thinking about various chapters as I go about my day. In a lot of ways, the way one approaches life reflects the way they approach music.

These short lessons have a big impact, and even after I finish reading this book, I always make sure it is nearby for a quick refresher. Highly recommended for anyone, but especially musicians. I...more

Principles of Zen philosophy applied to the practice and performance of music. The ideas here will for the most part be familiar to anyone who has read such classics as Zen in the Art of Archery or The Inner Game of Tennis, both books that were assigned reading in my undergraduate music classes in the 70s. It's a short book that provides a very dense presentation of some heady, sometimes seemingly contradictory, concepts and is probably best absorbed slowly, in small increments. Like Zen in thePrinciples of Zen philosophy applied to the practice and performance of music. The ideas here will for the most part be familiar to anyone who has read such classics as Zen in the Art of Archery or The Inner Game of Tennis, both books that were assigned reading in my undergraduate music classes in the 70s. It's a short book that provides a very dense presentation of some heady, sometimes seemingly contradictory, concepts and is probably best absorbed slowly, in small increments. Like Zen in the Art of Archery, it would bear frequent re-reading.

The title is something of a misnomer, since the information presented is equally applicable to any kind of music-making, not just the guitar. Even the quotes from famous musicians that head each chapter, while heavily weighted toward guitar players, also include such virtuosi of other instruments as Branford Marsalis, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington....more

This book will either seem like an exercise in navel-gazing or it will be a valuable asset to the musician in pursuit of self-actualisation (just don't expect it to be your only asset). I really liked it; helped me find a sense of perspective when I was experiencing symptoms of burn-out many years ago. The book is applicable to guitarists of any genre. The world of classical guitar has certain unhealthy elements, not the least of which being elitism and over-emphasis on competition. This book suThis book will either seem like an exercise in navel-gazing or it will be a valuable asset to the musician in pursuit of self-actualisation (just don't expect it to be your only asset). I really liked it; helped me find a sense of perspective when I was experiencing symptoms of burn-out many years ago. The book is applicable to guitarists of any genre. The world of classical guitar has certain unhealthy elements, not the least of which being elitism and over-emphasis on competition. This book suggests different ways of approaching the musical life. Zen Guitar provides a much-needed reminder to musicians that there are deeper issues with which any musician, professional, student, dilettante, or rank amateur, must grapple, and that music, speaking as an academic and a professional, is far too important to be left to the professionals and academics!...more

Amazing book! Everyone should read this even if you don't play guitar, or any instrument at all. Read it if you enjoy life and music. The two are the same and this book will help you understand, feel it, and live it.

It's a very quick read, but I reread it every couple years.I love this book!

I also thought this might be a gimmick at the start but when I delved in I was complety blown away by the simplicity yet soul searching metaphors applied to playing and creating music on a guitar. I have been playing for 28 years and I learned a lot about practicing properly and just letting myself go without restrictions when writing songs with this book. I realized you don't have to be flashy and show off your technical skill just to impress people with your songs. That was my mentality in higI also thought this might be a gimmick at the start but when I delved in I was complety blown away by the simplicity yet soul searching metaphors applied to playing and creating music on a guitar. I have been playing for 28 years and I learned a lot about practicing properly and just letting myself go without restrictions when writing songs with this book. I realized you don't have to be flashy and show off your technical skill just to impress people with your songs. That was my mentality in high school but since then I have matured not just as a man but most importantly as a musician. Sometimes less is good. In the words of my guitar hero Yngwie J. Malmsteen, "If it sounds good to you then it is good. it doesn't matter what other people think." I couldn't agree more. PLAYLOUD!...more

It's an interesting mix of Eastern/Zen Buddhist philosphy as applied to the practice of playing guitar. Some chapters focus on a particular aspect of playing guitar, some discuss mistakes or approaches to avoid, but in the end, all can be applied to life itself.

Kind of a new agey self-help guide for guitar players. As a rule, I'm pretty skeptical about such books, but this book has a sincere feel and I enjoyed reading it. It's the kind of book you could pick up at random and read a page or two at any time (in that sense it reminds me of "The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran, which I read quite recently). Each section begins with a quotation from a leading guitarist, many of which are interesting in their own right.

One thing that's probably worth notign is thaKind of a new agey self-help guide for guitar players. As a rule, I'm pretty skeptical about such books, but this book has a sincere feel and I enjoyed reading it. It's the kind of book you could pick up at random and read a page or two at any time (in that sense it reminds me of "The Prophet" by Khalil Gibran, which I read quite recently). Each section begins with a quotation from a leading guitarist, many of which are interesting in their own right.

One thing that's probably worth notign is that you won't find a single piece of technical, tangible guitar instruction in here: this is a book about everything else.

As a sad footnote, I read on the author's website of his death in 2002, at the age of 42, from cancer....more

Good, but probably one of those books best read in a chunk a day...then at the end, you start at the beginning again. Ultimately, the strongest point of the book can be summed up easily: just practice. Don't think too much about where you're going or why, just practice and you'll find your way.

Some 25 years ago, I practiced aikido for six years, kept thinking about it (and overthinking it), finally lost my way altogether and stopped. In retrospect, it was very likely a mistake to stop and I shouGood, but probably one of those books best read in a chunk a day...then at the end, you start at the beginning again. Ultimately, the strongest point of the book can be summed up easily: just practice. Don't think too much about where you're going or why, just practice and you'll find your way.

Some 25 years ago, I practiced aikido for six years, kept thinking about it (and overthinking it), finally lost my way altogether and stopped. In retrospect, it was very likely a mistake to stop and I should have practiced through it.

I've just taken up guitar, and I'll try to do better this time to keep the practice in mind....more

This book is broken down into short chapters meshing Zen Buddhism with Guitar. The philosophical overtones were intriguing as they not only apply to learning to play the Guitar, but to everyday life as well. I downloaded this book on my Kobo because I am a beginner Guitarist. I found it motivated me to practice my Guitar and gave me a fresh perspective on overcoming the frustrations of learning to play a challenging instrument. As noted, I applied some of the Zen principles into my everyday lifeThis book is broken down into short chapters meshing Zen Buddhism with Guitar. The philosophical overtones were intriguing as they not only apply to learning to play the Guitar, but to everyday life as well. I downloaded this book on my Kobo because I am a beginner Guitarist. I found it motivated me to practice my Guitar and gave me a fresh perspective on overcoming the frustrations of learning to play a challenging instrument. As noted, I applied some of the Zen principles into my everyday life as well. Overall, it was an easy, motivating read that triggered me to tap into my spiritual thinking....more

I like books that simplify things in an interesting way and this book delivers. You really can learn the basics of Zen by playing the guitar. But the lessons don't stop with the guitar, it applies to all facets of life. So even if you don't play the guitar, you can learn about zen. And likewise, if you play the guitar but don't really care about zen philosophy, it will still apply to you. But I think those who are just a little interested in either topic will find this a simple and easy read, buI like books that simplify things in an interesting way and this book delivers. You really can learn the basics of Zen by playing the guitar. But the lessons don't stop with the guitar, it applies to all facets of life. So even if you don't play the guitar, you can learn about zen. And likewise, if you play the guitar but don't really care about zen philosophy, it will still apply to you. But I think those who are just a little interested in either topic will find this a simple and easy read, but packed with wisdom. It makes me long to wear the white belt....more

I don't really play guitar anymore, but I only got to a point of confidence with my own abilities after reading this book. It not only helped me to "let go" of myself as a musician, it forced me to examine my mental approach to life.

In the world of large egos and competitive overdrive which is modern music, this book showed me a much clearer, healthier path to becoming what I wanted to be. I highly recommend it not only to people who play the guitar, beginners to advanced players alike- but toI don't really play guitar anymore, but I only got to a point of confidence with my own abilities after reading this book. It not only helped me to "let go" of myself as a musician, it forced me to examine my mental approach to life.

In the world of large egos and competitive overdrive which is modern music, this book showed me a much clearer, healthier path to becoming what I wanted to be. I highly recommend it not only to people who play the guitar, beginners to advanced players alike- but to people who take interest in other instruments as well....more